Finest Small Screen Choices: 7 Can't-Miss Motion Pictures In the Days Ahead
Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
